Took the new van to emmissions right away after picking it up to see how it would do
It was running rough, but ran well enough to do the 37 mph driving portion of the Arizona Emmissions test
It eventually took 6 attempts to pass the AZ Emmissions test !
But, now I know how to tune the engine pretty well
The first emissions test, it failed everything but the gas tank cap
So.. new spark plugs, spark plug wires, rotor, ICM module
Then back for another test (test #2)
Passed all but the Idle HC.
High Hydrocarbon (HC) emissions
This time I changed out the oil filter, changed the oil, and coolant. Looked for Vacuum hose leaks
Took it back for test #3 and failed just the idle HC again, but with a ‘better’ number, so I adjusted the idle (on the carb) in the parking lot, and tested again.. but failed a 4th time
By now the crew at the Tucson Eastside Emissions testing station were getting to know me and the van, lol
And I was getting better at finishing the test efficiently
I decided to get some expert help, and arranged a meeting with a mobile mechanic. He helped diagnose what might be wrong based on the test results and the steps I had already taken to tune up the van.
The mechanic showed me how to tune the idle mixture correctly and what tool to use.. off to the emissions again (5th time).. and it failed, but the Idle HC number was MUCH closer to passing now
I changed the fuel filter, tuned the idle mixture again and used a fuel additive to help clean out some carbon
Third test result, still failing the Idle HC
After some work, and an incorrect tune up, it failed again
Found a 1986 Chevy Van at auction
It looked like a great deal in the listing, but when I went to check it out it wasn’t so great. The van next to it (V21) was pretty good though, and I placed a bid
I won the aution for a 1986 1-ton Chevy Van
It had no battery, and the lights were on as soon as the battery was connected. It had been sitting for years. Half a tank of gas, most of the fluids were OK, but the transmission was empty
The winning bid was $510, auction fees were $100
I had to wait a few days to pick it up, and I requested the maintenance records. They had them and they go back to 1999
Next step; AZ Emmissions, and Licence Plates